Littoral​ Society

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  • What We Do
    • Education
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    • Restoration
    • Advocacy
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  • Where We Work
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    • Barnegat Bay
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    • Jamaica Bay
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    • National Policy
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Shell Recycling

"Shuck it, Don't Chuck It!" Shell recycling program

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Oysters extract lime from the water so they can grow their shell. This is why the Society recycles oyster shell from local restaurants. The shell is returned to the water where it provides a substrate for new oysters. The "Shuck It Don't Chuck It!" Shell Recycling Program is a win-win for oyster lovers, businesses and the bay's waters.

One oyster can clean up to 50 gallons of water per day. Oyster shell from restaurants ordinarily end up in landfills.  Our program returns them to New Jersey's bays where they create a foundation for growing new oysters.

Oyster reefs also provide homes for other marine life and protect sensitive shorelines.  Historically, they populated our coastal waters, but pollution, disease and over-harvesting have destroyed these essential creatures of the marine ecosystem. Our program returns the shell to the bays for cleaner water, a healthier environment and more oysters on our plates.

The Oyster shell recycling program is supported through grants from the Marta Heflin Foundation and NOAA Fisheries.

Get involved

Volunteer

Interested in Coastal Conservation?!
​

Want to see what it's like to work with a local-non profit?

Our volunteers assist with community outreach events such as festivals and Lunch & Learns. They also pick-up and transport shell from our participating restaurants.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to meet and work with staff from other programs as well!
Click for Volunteer Info
Work With Us

Are you a restaurant owner or employee? Does your business sell oysters?

You can help clean the coastline, protect your shore community, and even promote your own business just by setting aside your used shells for us to pick-up. It's that simple.

                      Collect your shells...
​               ...We'll take care of the rest
Click Here for Partnering Info
Donate/Fund Raise

Anyone can directly donate. Companies can sponsor one of our fundraising events! Just get in touch. 

As a non-profit organization, we rely on unrestricted funds for the continuation and expansion of our efforts.
Contact Serena@LittoralSociety.org or
Click Here to Donate

Community drop off

There's another way to help...

We'll be setting up community-drop off sites!

Anyone can stop by and drop their used shells any time. It doesn't have to only be oysters! Scallop, clam, and mussel shells are welcome too.

We will update this page when drop-offs are ready!

You can also help just by promoting local aquaculture. Buy directly from local oyster vendors, or eat at restaurants that buy local.


 Pounds of shell recycled
​so far

=

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This is equivalent to the weight of a Humpback Whale

How we educate

Public Events

The "Shuck It, Don't Chuck It!" team works to educate the community on the topic of shell recycling and its benefits.

Our public outreach efforts include tabling at seafood and environmental festivals, hosting Lunch & Learns with our restaurant partners, and working with local schools.
Events where you can find the "Shuck It, Don't Chuck It!" team in 2022
  • Lobster Run 5k - April 30th, 9a-12p
  • Two Rivers Eco-Fest - June 4th, 9a-12:30p, Rain Date: June 5th
  • Art Fair & Paddle Event - July 30th, 10a-3p, Rain Date: July 31st
  • Asburyfest - September 23rd, 5p-10p & September 24th, 11a-10p
Click here to see all Society events

Promoting local aquaculture

AQuaculture Partners

Section Under Construction
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Participating restaurants

2nd Jetty
The Bonney Read
Even Tide Grille
Lusty Lobster
Navesink Country Club
​Nicholas Barrel & Roost
Woody's Ocean Grille
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For the Legend, click the arrow to the left of the map title.

Sponsors

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Shell Recycling Staff

Serena
Coordinator of "Shuck It, Don't Chuck It!"
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Serena@littoralsociety.org
Nicole
Education Director
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Nicole.Haines@littoralsociety.org
Julie
Restoration Coordinator
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Julie@littoralsociety.org
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18 Hartshorne Drive
​Highlands, NJ 07732

What We Do

Education
Conservation
Restoration
Advocacy
Fish Tagging

Where We Work

Sandy Hook
Barnegat Bay
Delaware Bay
Jamaica Bay
Sarasota Bay
National Policy

Who We Are

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Staff
Officers & ​Trustees
Financials
Contact

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